Hyderabad for kids: So who has heard of COP 11?

HYDERABAD: Come October 1, and Hyderabad will be seen playing host to independent India's biggest global summit, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. But despite its stature, the international conference expected to attract over 8,000 delegates from 194 nations, has failed to infuse any interest among the local junta who are oblivious to this mega event to be hosted in mana Hyderabad. While most know nothing beyond the name of the event, COP 11 (Conference of Parties on Biodiversity), there are some who haven't even heard of such a conference coming up in Hyderabad.

Said Rajyalakshmi G, a teacher with Delhi Public School, Khajaguda "I have only heard about it in passing and know nothing much about what it is likely to entail, where it is going to be held or what are the subjects that are going to be discussed during the meet." Unfortunately, Rajyalakshimi is not the only one with a complete disconnect to COP 11. Barring a few environment enthusiasts , there aren't many in the city who are following the run-up to the international meet with a keen eye. This, when the conference is set to have a host of `side events' such as exhibitions and cultural shows exclusively for the common public . These programmes, apart from showcasing biodiversity across the globe, will be seen portraying India's diverse culture too.

"I have read a few things about the event and know that it is one of India's biggest global conferences. So far, that it is all the information that has come my way. But I would like to know more," said Ragotham V, a corporate executive residing in Marredpally. His children, both high school students, too confess that they haven't heard much about COP 11.

This lack of knowledge or enthusiasm among Hyderabadis about the event is rooted in the lackadaisical attitude of the organisers __ the state and central government. While local government departments, `hibernating' for so long, are now hurriedly seen filling the city's potholes and planting a few saplings to make up for the lost green cover, there isn't much being done to spread awareness about COP 11 and all the events that citizens can participate in. Barring a few stray hoardings in some parts of the city, Hyderabad seems to be making no noise about what is being touted as India's biggest international event. Surprisingly, offi - cials seem to be in no hurry to buck up either. "We still have time. We are planning to put up about 250 hoardings over the next few weeks," said a senior government official in the know of things. He, however, showed no signs of urgency.

The handful of residents aware of environmental issues and most importantly COP 11 agree that the AP government is not doing a particularly good job in publicizing the summit. "Such a large scale event should be given more importance and the government should take up more awareness drives to ensure that people get interested in them," said A V Rao (name changed) a senior citizen.

Prasanna Kumar, director, National Green Corps entrusted with the publicity job, however, draws up an expansive list of things that the government is currently undertaking . This includes contests across city schools, street plays and fl ash mobs. "We are also preparing mobile vans (displaying details about the event) that will hit the roads soon."

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